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UbiSoft: Assassin's Creed 4 getting "HBO treatment"

Don't expect pirate cliches like parrot mascots or walking the plank in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, states Ubisoft lead content manager Carsten Myhill. The studio is going for an "HBO reality treatment" style of show.

“We have a fantastic opportunity for pirates in video games. Certainly when Assassin’s Creed III naval came out, there was a clamour from the fans for a pirate game. There’s no doubt that the people want it," said Myhill. “But it’s not easy. It takes a very talented team, a lot of experience and great tech. It’s one thing having good naval combat, but combining that with good boarding and land-based gameplay in a seamless way, is hard to do."

He added, “We’re staying away from cliches. Things like walking the plank, parrots on the shoulder and hooks for hands. We are giving pirates the HBO, reality treatment. And that allows us to redefine piracy in entertainment. No longer is it for kids.”

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is due to be released on major platforms later this year.